Fantaski countered critics who say the program, started in 1989 at Liberty Bell Elementary, doesn't work and is for select students only.

"Spanish immersion works," Fantaski said. "Even without the test scores that have been touted by some, questioned by others, anyone who has even been in a Spanish immersion class can see students speaking with fluency and thinking in a foreign language."

The program has an open enrollment policy, Fantaski said.

"It is my opinion that select more aptly describes the students' skills than it does the students themselves or the selection process," she said.

Liberty Bell is the only school in the district offering Spanish immersion. From the first day of 1st grade, Spanish is the only language spoken by the teacher.

It is expected that students in the Liberty Bell Spanish immersion program would stay enrolled through the middle school, Fantaski said.

Critics claim Spanish immersion will disrupt the middle school's team concept of education. Students in the school are assigned to a team of teachers who work together and closely monitor the students' progress.

To minimize the impact of taking students away from their teams for Spanish immersion classes, Fantaski recommended placing immersion students on one team rather than two to preserve team identity.

Supporters of Spanish immersion say it teaches cognitive skills and cultural appreciation, while preparing students for life in an increasingly global economy.

Fantaski did not recommend hiring another 6th grade Spanish immersion teacher. However, one middle school teacher would be transferred to another position in the district, she said.

Spanish immersion opponents say they will lobby the school board to reject Fantaski's recommendations.

"It does not enjoy broad support and some people very much resent it," said John Quigley, an opponent of the program. "Her recommendations continue a very unpopular program and do not draw any conclusions."